I often speak of “Secrets In Plain Sight”, and here one is revealed to us. Not that much of a secret, you say? Look at how many people don’t know it for themselves, and how many people seem to know it only as a weapon to keep others from the blessings they need! I’ve said before that prayer, religion and spirituality in general is a two-way street, and here is the first part that is incumbent on us! All that, and a sacrament, too!

Let it be known to one and all that we are known as The Universal Episcopal Church. I’ll probably get into the “Universal” part in more detail later, as if you won’t find some of it in every homily I utter. Any other group that calls itself “Episcopal” is not us. There are many that have the term “Episcopal” in their name. That’s why I insist that the full name from the charter be used: The Universal Episcopal Church.

The Protestant Episcopal Church has been having problems over the last few decades. I first left them in 1978 and then again in 1989 – that time for keeps, because the problems were not going to get better. Meanwhile, their Diocese of South Carolina was trying to maintain tradition and remain within the Protestant Episcopal Church – both at once. It didn’t work. There are folks better suited than me to give the details. Their diocesan web site at http://www.dioceseofsc.org/ gives the details.

I’m known for my saying that among clergy there are “too many clerks and not enough clerics.” When I say that, I do not include Bishop Mark Lawrence, their diocesan bishop, and his standing committee. The term “standing committee” is appropriate because they have the courage to stand with him.

And here is a lesson in the Epistle that grasps a point that so many others seem to miss. And, once again, it’s one of those secrets waiting in plain sight to be found. Did you ever wonder why it is that some people have such successfu prayer lives? Could this the the secret to that?

And we also celebrate the life of Brother Leo Wollenweber, a Capuchin monk and friend of ours.

Along with the sacrament, I like to offer you something based on the readings that you can use in your daily life – and that’s what Theology is actually about. And here is a prime example of something that can be used every day, and no matter what religion, denomination or spiritual path you might claim!

The message is simple, and it applies well across the board. “You’ve joined us, now be one of us.” Which means more than the idea of showing up once a week for services or whatever your path chooses to do. But how does that apply?

Once again, in the readings we have Jesus facing Pharisees who try to trip him up. Some of their trick questions remind me of some college exams, or that sick comedian’s question “Have you stopped beating your wife?” which, of course, gives no real option. But here, Jesus gets the best of them again and at the same time imparts something which many people I know have forgotten. When asked what the greatest commandment is, he gives an answer which they can’t disagree with at all.

But more importantly, he expresses the nature of our duty to The Divine in terms of love – not obedience or fear, but love! And we’re going to see more of this as time goes on, plus the sacrament!